10 Golden Globe Triumphs That Oscar Voters Shockingly Ignored

The Golden Globes have always been a wild card in Hollywood ’s awards circuit. While the ceremony has faced its share of scandals and jokes, it often highlights performances that the Academy Awards simply pass over. With its split categories for drama and comedy/musical, the Globes sometimes reward bold, unconventional work that the Oscars ignore. Over the years, this has led to some truly memorable wins—and some head-scratching snubs when Oscar nominations are announced.

Unforgettable Performances That Missed Oscar Gold

Jim Carrey ’s turn in The Truman Show marked a dramatic shift from his comedic roots, delivering a heartfelt and thought-provoking performance. He took home the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama, but the Academy left him out entirely—even as director Peter Weir and co-star Ed Harris received nominations. The following year, Carrey won again for Man on the Moon in the comedy/musical category, only to be snubbed once more by Oscar voters.

Gene Hackman’s role as the eccentric patriarch in Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums was another standout. Hackman, known for his intense dramatic work, showed a new side in Anderson’s quirky world and earned the Globe for Best Actor in a Comedy/Musical. Yet, the Oscars didn’t even nominate him, continuing a trend of overlooking Anderson’s cast members.

Nicole Kidman ’s darkly comic performance in To Die For won her a Golden Globe, but the Academy failed to recognize her. Many believe her later Oscar win for The Hours was a make-up for this earlier oversight, as her work in To Die For remains one of her most acclaimed roles.

Comedic Genius and Musical Standouts Overlooked

Sacha Baron Cohen’s creation of Borat became a cultural phenomenon, earning him the Globe for Best Actor in a Comedy/Musical. Despite the film ’s impact and his nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars, Cohen was left out of the Best Actor race. The pattern repeated with the sequel, and even though he later received a supporting actor nod for Trial of the Chicago 7, his iconic comedic work went unrecognized by the Academy.

Richard Harris brought King Arthur to life in Camelot, winning the Globe for Best Actor in a Comedy/Musical. While the film picked up several technical Oscars, Harris himself was ignored. This snub fits a larger pattern of the Academy overlooking films centered on Arthurian legend, no matter their popularity or critical acclaim.

Tim Robbins’ satirical performance as a ruthless studio executive in The Player was so convincing it may have hit too close to home for Oscar voters. He won the Globe for Best Actor in a Comedy/Musical, but the Academy didn’t even nominate him. Robbins would later win an Oscar for Mystic River, but his sharp Hollywood satire was never honored by the Academy.

Major Comebacks and Breakout Roles Ignored

John Travolta’s career resurgence after Pulp Fiction continued with his witty, charismatic turn in Get Shorty. He won the Globe for Best Actor in a Comedy/Musical, but the Oscars left him off their list, despite his renewed popularity and critical praise.

Jamie Lee Curtis delivered a standout performance in the action- comedy True Lies, earning her a Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy/Musical. The Academy, known for its bias against both comedy and action, failed to nominate her, even though her work was recognized by the Screen Actors Guild.

Rachel Zegler faced enormous pressure stepping into the role of Maria in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story remake. Her performance won her the Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy/Musical, but the Oscars didn’t acknowledge her, despite the film’s critical success and her fresh take on the iconic character.

George Clooney’s comedic chops shined in O Brother, Where Art Thou?, earning him a Globe for Best Actor in a Comedy/Musical. The film’s soundtrack became a sensation, but Clooney’s performance was left out of the Oscar race. He would later win for a supporting role in Syriana, but his memorable work in the Coen brothers ’ classic was never recognized by the Academy.